U.S. patent number 11,136,170 [Application Number 16/408,132] was granted by the patent office on 2021-10-05 for container lid with button release and lock.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Runway Blue, LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is RUNWAY BLUE, LLC. Invention is credited to Jim Allen Colby, Paul James Faerber, Joseph O. Jacobsen, David O. Meyers, John R. Omdahl, II, Steven M Sorensen.
United States Patent |
11,136,170 |
Faerber , et al. |
October 5, 2021 |
Container lid with button release and lock
Abstract
A container lid includes a container top, a lid opening, a
closure, a push button, and a lock. The container top may be sized
and configured to be attached to a container body. The lid opening
may be formed in the container top. The closure may be movably
coupled to the container top and may be movable between first and
second positions in which the lid opening is, respectively, covered
or uncovered. The push button may be configured to selectively
retain the closure in the first position, and may be movable
between latched and unlatched positions. The lock may be movable
between locked and unlocked positions and in the locked position
may be configured to inhibit movement of the push button from the
latched to the unlatched position.
Inventors: |
Faerber; Paul James (Pleasant
Grove, UT), Colby; Jim Allen (Highland, UT), Omdahl, II;
John R. (Lindon, UT), Meyers; David O. (East Layton,
UT), Jacobsen; Joseph O. (American Fork, UT), Sorensen;
Steven M (Alpine, UT) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
RUNWAY BLUE, LLC |
Alpine |
UT |
US |
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Assignee: |
Runway Blue, LLC (Alpine,
UT)
|
Family
ID: |
66625420 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/408,132 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2019 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20190344934 A1 |
Nov 14, 2019 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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62669882 |
May 10, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D
53/04 (20130101); B65D 51/242 (20130101); B65D
50/06 (20130101); B65D 47/0871 (20130101); B65D
55/02 (20130101); B65D 47/0895 (20130101); A45F
3/16 (20130101); B65D 2251/1058 (20130101); B65D
2215/04 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B65D
47/08 (20060101); B65D 53/04 (20060101); B65D
55/02 (20060101); A45F 3/16 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2532601 |
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Dec 2012 |
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EP |
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2010241461 |
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Oct 2010 |
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JP |
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Other References
International Search Report and the Written Opinion of the
International Searching Authority for PCT Application No.
PCT/US2019/031606, dated Jul. 26, 2019 (9 pgs). cited by
applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Kirsch; Andrew T
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein &
Fox P.L.L.C.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/669,882, filed May 10, 2018, which is
incorporated herein in its entirety, by reference thereto.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A container lid, comprising: a container top configured to be
attached to a container body; a lid opening formed in the container
top; a closure movably coupled to the container top and configured
to selectively cover the lid opening, the closure movable between a
first position in which the lid opening is covered and a second
position in which the lid opening is uncovered; a push button
movably coupled to one or more of the container top and the closure
and configured to selectively retain the closure in the first
position, the push button movable with respect to the container top
and the closure between a latched position and an unlatched
position; and a lock movably coupled to one or more of the
container top and the closure between a locked position and an
unlocked position, the lock in the locked position configured to
inhibit movement of the push button from the latched position to
the unlatched position, wherein the lock comprises a carry loop,
and wherein, when the lock is in the unlocked position, a portion
of the carry loop is spaced apart from the container top.
2. The container lid of claim 1, wherein the lock in the locked
position is configured to inhibit movement of the push button from
the latched position to the unlatched position by covering at least
a portion of the push button.
3. The container lid of claim 2, wherein the at least a portion of
the push button comprises at least one of: an upper half of the
push button; half of a contact portion of the push button that is
accessible when the lock is in the unlocked position; a central
axis of the push button; and a centroid of the push button.
4. The container lid of claim 1, wherein the carry loop is
rotatably coupled to the container top, the carry loop rotatable to
move the lock between the locked position and the unlocked
position.
5. The container lid of claim 1, wherein: the carry loop is
rotatably coupled to the container top; the closure is rotatably
coupled to the container top; the closure comprises a protrusion
configured to interfere with rotation of the carry loop relative to
the closure passing the protrusion; and the carry loop is rotatable
between: the locked position in which the protrusion of the closure
is positioned above at least a portion of the carry loop; and an
unlocked position in which the at least a portion of the carry loop
is positioned above the protrusion of the closure and in which the
closure and the carry loop are independently rotatable relative to
the container top.
6. The container lid of claim 5, wherein in the unlocked position
the closure and the carry loop are independently rotatable about
the same axis, relative to the container top.
7. The container lid of claim 1, wherein: the carry loop is
rotatably coupled to the container top; the closure is rotatably
coupled to the container top; the closure comprises a protrusion
configured to interfere with rotation of the carry loop relative to
the closure passing the protrusion; and the carry loop is rotatable
between: the locked position in which the protrusion of the closure
is positioned above at least a portion of the carry loop; a first
unlocked position in which the protrusion of the closure engages a
receiving portion of the carry loop such that the closure and the
carry loop are dependently rotatable relative to the container top;
and a second unlocked position in which the at least a portion of
the carry loop is positioned above the protrusion of the closure
and in which the closure and the carry loop are independently
rotatable relative to the container top.
8. The container lid of claim 1, wherein the push button translates
and rotates between the latched position and the unlatched position
relative to at least one of the container top and the closure.
9. The container lid of claim 1, wherein: the push button comprises
a push button engagement member; the closure comprises a closure
engagement member; the push button engagement member and the
closure engagement member are configured for engagement with each
other to selectively retain the closure in the first position; the
push button further comprises a contact portion that is accessible
when the lock is in the unlocked position; a bottom rear of the
contact portion is horizontally spaced apart from the container top
by a first distance when the push button is in the latched
position; when the push button is in the latched position and the
closure is in the first position, the push button engagement member
horizontally overlaps the closure engagement member by an
engagement distance; and the engagement distance is greater than
the first distance.
10. A container, comprising: a container body; a container lid
attachable to the container body, the container lid comprising: a
spout that provides access to an interior of the container body; a
closure configured to selectively seal the spout, the closure
movable relative to the spout between a first position in which the
spout is sealed and a second position in which the spout is
unsealed; a push button configured to selectively retain the
closure in the first position, the push button movable with respect
to at least one of the spout or the closure between a latched
position in which the push button holds the closure in the first
position and an unlatched position in which the push button does
not hold the closure in the first position; and a lock configured
to selectively inhibit operation of the push button, the lock
movable with respect to the spout between a locked position in
which operation of the push button is inhibited by the lock and an
unlocked position in which operation of the push button is
uninhibited by the lock, wherein the lock comprises a carry loop,
and wherein, when the lock is in the unlocked position, a portion
of the carry loop is spaced apart from the closure.
11. The container of claim 10, wherein the lock in the locked
position is configured to inhibit operation of the push button by
inhibiting application of an opening force to at least a portion of
the push button.
12. The container of claim 11, wherein the at least a portion of
the push button comprises at least one of: an upper half of the
push button; half of a contact portion of the push button that is
accessible when the lock is in the unlocked position; a central
axis of the push button; and a centroid of the push button.
13. The container of claim 10, wherein the carry loop is rotatable
relative to the spout, the carry loop rotatable to move the lock
between the locked position and the unlocked position.
14. The container of claim 10, wherein: the carry loop is rotatable
relative to the spout; the closure is rotatable relative to the
spout; the closure comprises a protrusion configured to interfere
with rotation of the carry loop relative to the closure passing the
protrusion; and the carry loop is rotatable between: the locked
position in which the protrusion of the closure is positioned above
at least a portion of the carry loop; and an unlocked position in
which the at least a portion of the carry loop is positioned above
the protrusion of the closure and in which the closure and the
carry loop are independently rotatable relative to the spout.
15. The container of claim 10, wherein the push button translates
and rotates between the latched position and the unlatched position
relative to at least one of the spout and the closure.
16. The container of claim 10, wherein: the push button comprises a
push button engagement member; the closure comprises a closure
engagement member; the push button engagement member and the
closure engagement member are configured for engagement with each
other to selectively retain the closure in the first position; the
push button further comprises a contact portion that is accessible
when the lock is in the unlocked position; a bottom rear of the
contact portion is horizontally movable relative to the spout by no
more than a first distance; when the push button is in the latched
position and the closure is in the first position, the push button
engagement member horizontally overlaps the closure engagement
member by an engagement distance; and the engagement distance is
greater than the first distance.
17. A container lid comprising: a container top comprising two
pivot mounts spaced apart from each other; and a lock coupled to
the container top and rotatable between a locked position in which
the lock inhibits opening of the lid, and an unlocked position in
which the lock forms a carry loop, wherein a first end of the lock
is coupled to the container top at one of the two pivot mounts, and
wherein a second end of the lock is coupled to the container top at
the other of the two pivot mounts, and wherein the lock inhibits
opening of the lid by inhibiting access to a mechanism configured
to selectively retain the lid in a closed configuration.
18. The container lid of claim 17, further comprising a closure
movable between a first position in which the lid is closed and a
second position in which the lid is open, wherein the closure is
coupled to the container top at the two pivot mounts, and wherein
the closure and the lock are rotatable about the same axis.
19. The container lid of claim 18, wherein the lock can be engaged
with and disengaged from the closure, wherein when the lock is
engaged with the closure, both the lock and the closure are
configured to rotate together about the axis, and wherein when the
lock is disengaged from the closure, the lock and the closure are
configured to rotate independently about the axis.
20. The container lid of claim 18, wherein the closure is disposed
between the first end of the lock and the second end of the
lock.
21. The container lid of claim 17, wherein the mechanism is a push
button, and wherein in the locked position the lock covers a
portion of the push button and inhibits operation of the push
button.
22. The container lid of claim 17, further comprising: a closure
movable between a first position in which the lid is closed and a
second position in which the lid is open, wherein the closure is
biased toward the second position, wherein the push button is
movable between a latched position in which the closure when in the
first position is retained in the first position, and an unlatched
position in which the closure is not retained in the first
position, and wherein in the locked position the lock extends
around the closure and covers the push button.
23. The container lid of claim 22, wherein when the lock is in the
unlocked position, the closure is in the first position, and the
button is pushed, the button translates and rotates from the
latched position to the unlatched position, and the closure
automatically moves from the first position to the second position.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure generally relates to lids with a button
release and lock.
BACKGROUND
Containers may hold a variety of different types of liquids such as
water, beverages, drinks, juices, and the like. Containers also may
hold various items such as energy drinks, protein drinks, shakes,
foodstuffs, dressings, sauces, and liquid meal replacements.
A lid with a closure may be used to control access to an interior
of the container. The lid may selectively cover an opening of the
container. The closure may selectively cover a relatively smaller
opening formed in the lid. The lid may be removed entirely to fill
the container with ice or other contents, to wash the container, or
to otherwise provide access to the interior of the container
through the relatively large opening of the container. The closure
may be opened to allow a user to consume contents of the container
through the relatively smaller opening of the lid or to otherwise
provide access to the interior of the container through the
relatively smaller opening formed in the lid.
The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments
that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments
such as those described above. Rather, this background is only
provided to illustrate one example technology area where some
embodiments described herein may be practiced.
SUMMARY
In some embodiments of the subject disclosure, a container may hold
or contain liquids, beverages, drinks, and the like. The container
may allow water and other types of fluids to be transported and/or
consumed. For example, the container may be used to transport or
consume water, flavored waters, juices, vitamin enhanced beverages,
energy drinks, thirst-quenchers and the like. In addition, the
container may hold mixtures and solutions, which may include
vitamins, supplements, protein powders, meal replacements, etc.
Further, the container may hold various powders, solids and/or
other types of materials including foodstuffs such as fruits,
vegetables, soups, dressings, and the like. In some embodiments,
the container may be insulated to help keep the contents at a
desired temperature. The container may be a bottle, cup, vessel, or
the like, and the container may have any of a variety of different
shapes, sizes, configurations, and arrangements depending, for
example, upon the intended use of the container.
Some aspects of the subject disclosure relate to container lids for
containers. In some embodiments, the container lid may be
selectively attached and/or detached from the container. The
container lid may cover an opening of the container and may include
a closure that covers one or more openings of the container lid.
The container lid may seal the one or more openings with an air
and/or fluid-tight seal, which may prevent the contents from
leaking or spilling. The one or more openings may allow contents to
be quickly and easily added to or removed from the container.
In an example, a container lid includes a container top, a lid
opening, a closure, a push button, and a lock. The container top
may be sized and configured to be attached to a container body. The
lid opening may be formed in the container top. The closure may be
movably coupled to the container top and may be configured to
selectively cover the lid opening. The closure may be movable
between a first position in which the lid opening is covered and a
second position in which the lid opening is uncovered. The push
button may be movably coupled to one or more of the container top
and the closure and may be configured to selectively retain the
closure in the first position. The push button may be movable with
respect to the container top and the closure between a latched
position and an unlatched position. The lock may be movably coupled
to one or more of the container top and the closure between a
locked position and an unlocked position. The lock in the locked
position may be configured to inhibit movement of the push button
from the latched position to the unlatched position.
In another example, a container includes a container body and a
container lid attachable to the container body. The container lid
includes a spout, a closure, a push button, and a lock. The spout
may provide access to an interior of the container body. The
closure may be configured to selectively seal the spout. The
closure may be movable relative to the spout between a first
position in which the spout is sealed and a second position in
which the spout is unsealed. The push button may be configured to
selectively retain the closure in the first position. The push
button may be movable with respect to at least one of the spout or
the closure between a latched position in which the push button
holds the closure in the first position and an unlatched position
in which the push button does not hold the closure in the first
position. The lock may be configured to selectively inhibit
operation of the push button. The lock may be movable with respect
to the spout between a locked position in which operation of the
push button is inhibited by the lock and an unlocked position in
which operation of the push button is uninhibited by the lock.
These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the subject
technology will become more fully apparent from the following brief
description of the drawings, the drawings, the detailed description
of preferred embodiments, and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The appended drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of
this description, and contain figures of certain embodiments to
further disclose the above and other aspects, principles,
advantages, and features of the subject technology. It will be
appreciated that these drawings depict only certain embodiments and
are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Additionally,
it will be appreciated that while the drawings may illustrate
certain sizes, scales, relationships, and configurations of the
subject technology, the drawings are not intended to limit the
scope of the claimed invention.
FIGS. 1A-1C respectively include an upper front perspective view,
an upper rear perspective view, and an exploded upper front
perspective view of an example container, in accordance with at
least one embodiment.
FIGS. 2A and 2B include an upper front perspective view and an
exploded upper front perspective view of a container lid of the
container of FIGS. 1A-1C.
FIGS. 3A and 3B include an upper front perspective view and a lower
front perspective view of a container top of the container lid of
FIGS. 2A and 2B.
FIGS. 4A and 4B include an upper front perspective view and a lower
front perspective view of a lock of the container lid of FIGS. 2A
and 2B.
FIGS. 5A-5D include an upper front perspective view, a lower front
perspective view, an upper rear perspective view, and a lower rear
perspective view of a closure of the container lid of FIGS. 2A and
2B.
FIGS. 6A and 6B include an upper front perspective view and a lower
front perspective view of a lid opening seal of the container lid
of FIGS. 2A and 2B.
FIGS. 7A-7D include an upper front perspective view, a lower rear
perspective view, a front view, and a rear view of a push button of
the container lid of FIGS. 2A and 2B.
FIG. 8 is an upper front perspective view of a button bias member
of the container lid of FIGS. 2A and 2B.
FIG. 9 is an upper front perspective view of a closure bias member
of the container lid of FIGS. 2A and 2B.
FIGS. 10A-10C include cross-sectional side views of a portion of
the container lid of FIG. 2A.
FIGS. 11A-11C include side views of the container lid with the lock
in, respectively, the locked position, a first unlocked position,
and a second unlocked position.
FIG. 12 includes a cross-sectional front perspective view of a
portion of the container lid with the lock in a locked
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The detailed description set forth below includes a description of
various configurations of the subject technology and is not
intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject
technology may be practiced. The detailed description includes
specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough
understanding of the subject technology. However, the subject
technology may be practiced without these specific details. In some
instances, well-known structures and components are not shown, or
are shown schematically, to avoid obscuring the concepts of the
subject technology.
Although various aspects, principles, advantages, and features of
the subject technology are disclosed herein with reference to
liquid-dispensing containers or container lids, the present
disclosure is not limited to liquid-dispensing containers or
container lids. It will be understood that, in light of the present
disclosure, the liquid-dispensing containers disclosed herein may
have a variety of suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and
arrangements. It will also be understood that containers and
container lids according to the subject technology may include any
suitable number of parts and components, such as vessels,
selectors, valve bodies, nozzles, lid bodies, straws, and the like;
and the containers and container lids may include any appropriate
number and combination of features, parts, aspects, and the like.
The disclosed components may be combined or subdivided in some
embodiments of the subject technology. In addition, while the
accompanying figures illustrate containers and container lids
having particular styles and configurations, it will be appreciated
that the claimed subject matter may not be limited to the
illustrated styles and configurations. Further, the containers and
container lids may be successfully used in connection with other
types of devices.
Various exemplifying embodiments are shown in the accompanying
figures. To assist in the description of the various exemplifying
embodiments, words such as top, bottom, front, rear, sides, right,
left, and/or variations thereof may be used to describe the
accompanying figures which may be, but are not necessarily, drawn
to scale. It will further be appreciated that the containers may be
disposed in a variety of desired positions or orientations, and
used in numerous locations, environments, and arrangements.
Some container lids include a lid opening and a closure to close
the lid opening. Some such container lids include a push button
that is operable to release the closure to open the lid opening.
Inadvertent operation of the push button may inadvertently open the
closure, which may result in accidental outflow of contents through
the lid opening. Thus, some embodiments described herein may
provide a lock to inhibit inadvertent operation of the push
button.
FIGS. 1A-1C respectively include an upper front perspective view,
an upper rear perspective view, and an exploded upper front
perspective view of an example container 10, in accordance with at
least one embodiment described herein. As illustrated, the
container 10 may include a container lid 12 and a container body
14. Optionally, the container 10 may additionally include a straw
16 (FIG. 1C). The container body 14 may be sized and shaped to
hold, retain and/or store one or more liquids and/or solids,
generally referred to herein as contents.
The container lid 12 may cooperate with the container body 14 to
secure contents such as liquids within the container body 14, e.g.,
within an interior 18 (FIG. 1C) of the container body 14. The
container lid 12 may be removed entirely from the container body 14
to expose a top opening 20 (FIG. 1C) of the container body 14
through which the interior 18 of the container body 14 may be
accessed, e.g., to add contents to the container 10, to remove
contents from the container 10, to wash the interior 18 of the
container body 14, or to otherwise access the interior 18 of the
container body 14.
The container lid 12 may define one or more lid openings (see,
e.g., FIGS. 2B and 3A) that may be relatively small, e.g., smaller
than the top opening 20 of the container body 14, and through which
the interior 18 of the container body 14 may be accessed. For
example, a user may consume the contents of the container 10
through the one or more lid openings (e.g., lid openings 50, see
FIG. 3A) of the container lid 12, dispense a powdered drink mix
into the container 10 through the one or more lid openings, or
otherwise access the interior 18 of the container body 14 through
the one or more lid openings of the container lid 12.
The container lid 12 may be selectively connected to the container
body 14. For example, the container lid 12 may be selectively
connected to the container body 14 by threading, snapping,
twisting, sliding, or screwing the container lid 12 to the
container body 14. For example, an upper portion of the container
body 14 may include one or more exterior or interior threads 22
(FIG. 1C) and a lower portion of the container lid 12 may include
one or more corresponding threads 48 (FIG. 3B). The threads 22 and
the threads 48 may mate to allow the container lid 12 to be
selectively connected to the container body 14. The threaded
connection of the container lid 12 to the container body 14 may
create a secure, airtight, watertight and/or leak-proof seal. The
threaded connection may require multiple turns or a single turn or
less to securely connect the container body 14 and the container
lid 12. More generally, the container body 14 and the container lid
12 may be connected by any suitable number of turns, including a
fraction of one or more turns. The container body 14 and the
container lid 12 may also be connected using other suitable types
of connections and structures depending, for example, upon the
intended use of container 10.
FIGS. 2A and 2B include an upper front perspective view and an
exploded upper front perspective view of the container lid 12, in
accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. As
illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the container lid 12 may include a
container top 24, a closure 26, a push button 28, and a lock 30.
Optionally, the container lid 12 may additionally include one or
more of a lid seal 32, a button bias member 34, a closure bias
member 36, and a lid opening seal 38.
FIG. 3A includes an upper front perspective view, and FIG. 3B
includes a lower front perspective view of the container top 24, in
accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. The
container top 24 may include an end wall 40, a skirt 42, a spout 44
and/or one or more pivot mounts 46. The skirt 42 may generally
extend downward from the end wall 40 and may be configured to
matingly engage a top of the container body 14. In this and other
embodiments, the skirt 42 may include on an interior or exterior
surface thereof one or more container engagement members to
selectively secure the container top 24 to the container body 14.
For example, the skirt 42 may include one or more interior threads
48, one or more exterior threads, a bayonet-style mount, or one or
more other container engagement members configured to matingly
engage with one or more corresponding threads, bayonet-style
mounts, or other lid engagement members formed on an upper exterior
or interior surface of the container body 14 to secure the
container top 24 to the container body 14.
The spout 44 may extend upward from the end wall 40. Lid openings
50A, 50B (collectively "lid openings 50") may pass through the
spout 44 and/or the container top 24. More generally, the spout 44
may define one or more lid openings. Two lid openings 50 of unequal
size, with one positioned in front of the other, are depicted in
FIG. 3A as an example. In other embodiments, the spout 44 may
define a single opening or two or more openings, each opening
having any suitable size and/or shape. When the container lid 12 is
coupled to the container body 14 and the closure 26 is moved to
uncover the spout 44, a user may consume or otherwise remove
contents from the container 10 through one or more of the lid
openings 50. For example, the straw 16 (FIG. 1C) may be in fluid
communication with the opening 50B and the user may consume or
otherwise remove contents from the container 10 by sucking on the
opening 50B. As another example, the user may tip, at least
partially invert, and/or squeeze the container body 14 to consume
or otherwise remove contents from the container 10 through the
opening 50A. Alternatively or additionally, the user may add
contents to the container 10 through one or more of the lid
openings 50.
Each of the pivot mounts 46 may define an opening 52 (only one is
visible in FIG. 3A), discussed in more detail below. In some
embodiments, the openings 52 may form recesses, as shown in FIG.
3A. In such embodiments the openings 52 may be inset from their
surrounding surfaces on the pivot mounts 46, without extending
entirely through the pivot mounts 46. In other examples, the
openings 52 may form holes that extend entirely through the pivot
mounts 46.
The container top 24 may further include a push button recess 54
with cavities 55 defined in opposing lateral sides of the push
button recess 54. The push button recess 54 may be sized and
configured to receive and retain therein at least a portion of the
push button 28. Within the push button recess 54, a protrusion 56
may extend outward from a wall of push button recess 54 (e.g., from
a front wall 58 of the spout 44 in the embodiment shown in FIG.
3A). The protrusion 56 may be sized and configured to retain the
button bias member 34 positioned between the front wall 58 of the
spout 44 and the push button 28.
FIGS. 4A and 4B include an upper front perspective view (FIG. 4A)
and a lower front perspective view (FIG. 4B) of the lock 30, in
accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. The lock
30 may be implemented as a carry loop in some embodiments. The lock
30 may include a push button cover 60 between ends 62 of the lock
30. Each of the ends 62 may include a protrusion 64 and an opening
66. The openings 66 may be, for example, recesses, as shown in
FIGS. 4A and 4B. In some other embodiments, the openings 66 may be
holes. The push button cover 60 and ends 62 may form some or all of
a handle or carry loop in some embodiments. Alternatively or
additionally, the lock 30 may include one or more optional
receiving portions 68 formed in the handle or carry loop between
the push button cover 60 and each of the ends 62.
FIGS. 5A-5D include an upper front perspective view (FIG. 5A), a
lower front perspective view (FIG. 5B), an upper rear perspective
view (FIG. 5C), and a lower rear perspective view (FIG. 5D) of the
closure 26, in accordance with at least one embodiment described
herein. The closure 26 may include first protrusions 70, second
protrusions 72, third protrusions 74, a closure engagement member
76, a seal protrusion 78, and/or a seal seat 80. In some
embodiments, the closure 26 does not include all of the first
protrusions 70, the second protrusions 72, and the third
protrusions 74. For example, in some embodiments the closure 26
includes the first protrusions 70 but not the second protrusions 72
or the third protrusions 74. In some embodiments the closure 26
includes the second protrusions 72 but not the first protrusions 70
or the third protrusions 74. In some embodiments the closure 26
includes the third protrusions 74 but not the first protrusions 70
or the second protrusions 72. In some embodiments the closure 26
includes the first protrusions 70 and the second protrusions 72 but
not the third protrusions 74. In some embodiments the closure 26
includes the first protrusions 70 and the third protrusions 74 but
not the second protrusions 72. In some embodiments the closure 26
includes the second protrusions 72 and the third protrusions 74 but
not the first protrusions 70. In some embodiments the closure
includes none of the first protrusions 70, the second protrusions
72, or the third protrusions 74. Embodiments including the first
protrusions 72, the second protrusions 74, or the third protrusions
74 may be shown and described with reference to two of each type of
protrusion, however some embodiments may include only a single
first protrusion 70, second protrusion 72, or third protrusion 74,
or may include more than two first protrusions 70, second
protrusions 72, or third protrusions 74.
FIGS. 6A and 6B include an upper front perspective view (FIG. 6A)
and a lower front perspective view (FIG. 6B) of the lid opening
seal 38, in accordance with at least one embodiment described
herein. The lid opening seal 38 may include a base 82, first and
second seal portions 84 and 86 that extend downward from the base
82, and an opening 88 that passes through the base 82 at least
partially into the second seal portion 86.
The base 82 of the lid opening seal 38 may be sized and configured
to be received in the seal seat 80 of the closure 26. For example,
the base 82 may have a complementary shape to the seal seat 80 of
the closure 26 (see FIG. 5D). Alternatively or additionally, the
lid opening seal 38 may be formed of a resilient or at least
partially resilient material and may be slightly oversized compared
to the seal seat 80. As such, the lid opening seal 38 may be
partially compressed to fit into the seal seat 80, the partial
compression biasing the base 82 against the seal seat 80 and
increasing friction (compared to no compression) between the base
82 and the seal seat 80 to retain the seal seat 80 coupled to the
closure 26 via friction fit.
The first seal portion 84 of the lid opening seal 38 may be
configured to seal the opening 50B in the spout 44. In an example
embodiment, the first seal portion 84 may be sized and configured
to be at least partially inserted into the opening 50B in the spout
44 to seal against an interior surface of the opening 50B below a
top surface of the opening 50B. Alternatively or additionally, the
first seal portion 84 may seal against the top surface of the
opening 50B.
The second seal portion 86 of the lid opening seal 38 may be
configured to seal the opening 50A in the spout 44. In an example
embodiment, the second seal portion 84 may be sized and configured
to be at least partially inserted into the opening 50A in the spout
44 to seal against an interior surface of the opening 50A below a
top surface of the opening 50A. Alternatively or additionally, the
second seal portion 86 may seal against the top surface of the
opening 50A.
The lid opening seal 38 may independently seal each of the openings
50. Alternatively or additionally, the lid opening seal 38 may be
configured to collectively seal the openings 50 together. For
example, the lid opening seal 38 may seal against a top surface of
an outer wall of the spout 44, e.g., with or without sealing
against inner walls of the openings 50 (e.g., an inner wall of the
spout 44 that separates the opening 50A from the opening 50B).
Alternatively or additionally, the lid opening seal 38 may seal
against an exterior surface of the outer wall of the spout 44.
The opening 88 of the lid opening seal 38 may be sized and
configured to receive therein the seal protrusion 78 of the closure
26 (see FIG. 5D). For example, the opening 88 may have a
complementary shape to the seal protrusion 78. Positioning the seal
protrusion 78 of the closure 26 inside the opening 88 may improve
and/or increase a frictional coupling between the lid opening seal
38 and the closure 26 and/or may stiffen the second seal portion
86. For example, the closure 26, including the seal protrusion 78,
may comprise a rigid or semi-rigid material or other material with
greater rigidity than the lid opening seal 38. In the absence of
the seal protrusion 78, the second seal portion 86 may tend to
buckle, wrinkle, or otherwise deform when inserted into the opening
50A of the spout 44, which may decrease a likelihood of sealing the
opening 50A. The presence of the seal protrusion 78 at least
partially within the second seal portion 86 may stiffen the second
seal portion 86 to reduce the likelihood of the second seal portion
86 buckling, wrinkling, or otherwise deforming in such a way as to
interfere with sealing the opening 50A.
The lid opening seal 38 may be provided as a separate component
from the closure 26. Alternatively or additionally, the lid opening
seal 38 may be integrally formed with and/or may be coupled to the
closure 26.
FIGS. 7A-7D include an upper front perspective view (FIG. 7A), a
lower rear perspective view (FIG. 7B), a front view (FIG. 7C), and
a rear view (FIG. 7D) of the push button 28, in accordance with at
least one embodiment described herein. The push button 28 may
include a push button engagement member 90, a contact portion 92, a
protrusion 94, and/or one or more arms 96, each with at least one
retention tab 98.
Referring to FIGS. 3A and 7A-7D, the retention tabs 98 may be
configured to retain the push button 28 within the push button
recess 54 of the container top 24. Each of the retention tabs 98
may generally extend outward from a corresponding one of the arms
96. Each of the arms 96 may be flexible or semi flexible to
resiliently flex inward when the push button 28 is inserted into
the push button recess 54 to assemble the push button 28 together
with the container top 24. After a front-facing surface 98A of each
of the retention tabs 98 clears a corresponding rear-facing surface
of each of the cavities 55 of the push button recess 54, the arms
96 may each at least partially unflex outward such that the
retention tabs 98 are received in the cavities 55. The push button
28 may still be movable relative to the container top 24 within a
confined volume, the push button 28 being unable to move forward
relative to the container top 24 beyond a point at which the
front-facing surface 98A of each retention tab 98 engages the
corresponding rear-facing surface of each cavity 55 of the push
button recess 54.
FIG. 8 is an upper front perspective view of the button bias member
34, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein.
The button bias member 34 may include a first end 100 and a second
end 102. When the container lid 12 is assembled together, the
button bias member 34 may be positioned between the push button 28
and the container top 24, with the protrusion 94 of the push button
28 received in the first end 100 of the button bias member 34 and
the protrusion 56 of the container top 24 received in the second
end 102 of the button bias member 34. In general, the button bias
member 34 may be configured to bias the push button 28 forward
relative to the container top 24, e.g., to a point at which the
front-facing surface 98A of each retention tab 98 of the push
button 28 engages the corresponding rear-facing surface of each
cavity 55 of the push button recess 54 of the container top 24.
Although FIG. 8 illustrates an example button bias member 34
comprising a coil spring, the button bias member 34 can have other
forms and be made of one or more of a variety of materials. For
example, the button bias member 34 can comprise one or more of a
metal, a polymer, or other materials, and can comprise shapes other
than a coil.
FIG. 9 is an upper front perspective view of the closure bias
member 36, in accordance with at least one embodiment described
herein. The closure bias member 36 may include a first end 104, a
second end 106, and a cross bar 108. The first end 104 of the
closure bias member 36 may include a first foot 110 and the second
end 106 of the closure bias member 36 may include a second foot
112. Although FIG. 9 illustrates an example closure bias member 36,
the closure bias member 36 can have other forms and be made of one
or more of a variety of materials. For example, the closure bias
member 36 can comprise one or more of a metal, a polymer, or other
materials, and can comprise shapes other than that illustrated and
described herein.
Referring to FIGS. 1A-4B, the lock 30 may be movably coupled to the
container top 24, the closure 26, or both for movement between a
locked position and an unlocked position. For example, the lock 30
may be rotatably coupled to the container top 24, the closure 26,
or both. The lock 30 may be rotatably coupled to the container top
24 through, for example, the pivot mounts 46, which may define a
rotational axis of the lock 30. In the illustrated embodiment, each
of the pivot mounts 46 defines a corresponding one of the openings
52 which is configured to receive a corresponding one of the
protrusions 64 of the lock 30. The protrusions 64 of the lock 30
are received and retained in the openings 52 of the pivot mounts 46
during operation and permit the lock 30 to rotate relative to the
container top 24.
Referring to FIGS. 1A-5D, the closure 26 may be movably coupled
directly or indirectly to the container top 24. For example, the
closure 26 may be rotatably coupled to the container top 24. The
closure 26 may be rotatably coupled to the container top 24
through, for example, the lock 30 and the pivot mounts 46 of the
container top 24. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the ends
62 of the lock 30 defines a corresponding one of the openings 66
which is configured to receive a corresponding one of the
protrusions 70 of the closure 26. The protrusions 70 of the closure
26 are received and retained in the openings 66 of the lock 30
during operation and permit the closure 26 to rotate relative to
the lock 30, and also relative to the container top 24 when the
lock 30 is rotatably coupled to the container top 24. In some
embodiments, the closure 26 may rotate relative to the container
top 24 about the same axis of rotation as the lock 30 (e.g., the
closure 26 and the lock 30 may rotate relative to container top 24
and relative to each other about the same axis). In other
embodiments, the closure 26 may rotate relative to the container
top 24 about a different axis of rotation than the lock 30.
The closure 26, alone or in combination with the lid opening seal
38, may be configured to selectively cover, close, and/or seal the
spout 44 and/or one or more (e.g., all) of the lid openings 50. The
closure 26 may be movable and optionally rotatable relative to the
container top 24 between a first position and a second position. In
the first position, the spout 44 and/or one or more (e.g., all) of
the lid openings 50 may be covered, closed, and/or sealed by the
closure 26 alone or in combination with the lid opening seal 38. In
the second position, the spout 44 and/or one or more (e.g., all) of
the lid openings 50 may be exposed, uncovered, open, and/or
unsealed by the closure 26.
Referring to FIGS. 1A-5D and 7A-7D, the push button 28 may be
movably coupled to one or more of the container top 24 and the
closure 26 and may be configured to selectively retain the closure
26 in the first position. As described above, for example, the arms
96 and/or retention tabs 98 of the push button 28 may cooperate
with the cavities 55 of the push button recess 54 of the container
top 24 to retain the push button 28 at least partially within the
push button recess 54, while permitting at least some movement of
the push button 28 relative to the container top 24. In other
embodiments, an analogous arrangement may be implemented to movably
couple the push button 28 to the closure 26.
In some push-button mechanisms, a push button may be free-floating,
rotatable, or slidable (e.g., on or within a track) relative to
another component. In at least one embodiment, the push button 28
may have a hybrid arrangement relative to the container top 24 that
involves a combination of two or more of the foregoing. For
example, the push button 28 may be both free-floating and rotatable
relative to the container top 24 in an embodiment. More generally,
the push button 28 may be free-floating within the push button
recess 54 relative to the container top 24, slidable within the
push button recess 54 relative to the container top 24, rotatable
within the push button recess 54 relative to the container top 24,
or some combination thereof
The push button 28 may be movable with respect to the container top
24 and the closure 26 between a latched position (i.e., an unpushed
position) and an unlatched position (i.e., a pushed position). The
push button 28 may be configured to selectively retain the closure
26 in the first position of the closure 26 in which the spout 44
and/or one or more of the lid openings 50 is closed, covered,
and/or sealed. For example, when the push button 28 is in the
latched position and the closure 26 is in the first position, the
push button 28 may retain the closure 26 in the first position. In
these and other embodiments, at least a portion of the push button
28 may engage at least a portion of the closure 26 when the closure
26 is in the first position to retain the closure 26 in the first
position. Alternatively or additionally, in at least one embodiment
in which the push button 28 is movably coupled to the closure 26,
at least a portion of the push button 28 may selectively engage at
least a portion of the container top 24 when the closure 26 is in
the first position to selectively retain the closure 26 in the
first position.
In the unlatched position, the push button 28 may be disengaged
from the closure 26 when the closure 26 is in the first position,
or when the closure 26 is in any other position. Accordingly, when
the push button 28 is in the unlatched position, the closure 26 may
be free to remain in the first position or move to the second
position without interference from the push button 28.
The closure bias member 36 may be configured to bias the closure 26
to the second position. For example, when the push button 28 is in
the unlatched position, the closure bias member 36 may cause the
closure 26 to automatically move from the first position to the
second position. In this regard, the first and second feet 110, 112
of the closure bias member 36 may engage the end wall 40 or other
portion of the container top 24 and the cross bar 108 of the
closure bias member 36 may engage the closure 26 such that when the
closure 26 is in the first position, the closure bias member 36 is
loaded and when the closure 26 is in the second position, the
closure bias member 36 is unloaded--or at least less loaded than in
the first position.
The lock 30 may be configured to selectively inhibit operation of
the push button 28. When the lock 30 is in the locked position,
operation of the push button 28 may be inhibited. For example, when
the lock 30 is in the locked position, the lock 30 may be
configured to inhibit movement of the push button 28 from the
latched position to the unlatched position. When the lock 30 is in
the unlocked position, operation of the push button 28 may be
uninhibited. For example, when the lock 30 is in the unlocked
position, the lock 30 may not interfere with or otherwise inhibit
movement of the push button 28 from the latched position to the
unlatched position.
FIGS. 10A-10C include cross-sectional side views of a portion of
the container lid 12 of FIG. 2A, in accordance with at least one
embodiment described herein. FIG. 10A includes view 114A, FIG. 10B
includes view 114B, and FIG. 10C includes view 114 C. The lock 30
is illustrated in the views 114A and 114B in the locked position,
but is not shown in the view 114C and may be in an unlocked
position.
It can be seen from a comparison of the views 114A and 114B to the
view 114C that the contact portion 92 of the push button 28 may be
accessible when the lock 30 is in the unlocked position. In
comparison, the contact portion 92 of the push button 28 may be at
least partially obscured, blocked, or covered by the lock 30, and
in particular by the push button cover 60 of the lock 30, or may be
otherwise at least partially inaccessible when the lock 30 is in
the locked position. When the lock 30 is in the unlocked position,
an opening force may be applied to the contact portion 92, for
example by a user's finger or thumb, to move the push button 28
from the latched position to the unlatched position.
The push button 28 is illustrated in the view 114A in the latched
position and in the view 114C in the unlatched position. As
illustrated, the push button engagement member 90 of the push
button 28 may selectively engage the closure engagement member 76
of the closure 26 to selectively retain the closure 26 in the first
position. In particular, in the latched position, and as
illustrated in the view 114A, the push button engagement member 90
engages the closure engagement member 76 to retain the closure 26
in the first position. In the unlatched position, and as
illustrated in the view 114C, the push button engagement member 90
is disengaged from the closure engagement member 76 such that the
push button 28 does not retain the closure 26 in the first
position.
As illustrated in the view 114A, a portion of the push button 28
(e.g., a bottom rear 116 of the contact portion 92) may be
horizontally spaced apart from a button stop 118 of the container
top 24 by a first distance d.sub.1 when the push button 28 is in
the latched position and the closure 26 is in the first position.
In addition, the push button engagement member 90 may horizontally
overlap the closure engagement member 76 by an engagement distance
d.sub.e when the push button 28 is in the latched position and the
closure 26 is in the first position. As shown in view 114A, the
engagement distance d.sub.e can be greater than the first distance
d.sub.1. Accordingly, and as illustrated in the view 114B, if the
push button 28 is moved exclusively horizontally toward the
container top 24 through the first distance d.sub.1, e.g., until
the push button 28 (e.g., at the bottom rear 116 of the contact
portion 92) contacts the button stop 118 of the container top 24,
the push button engagement member 90 remains engaged with the
closure engagement member 76 such that the closure 26 may remain in
the first position.
Notwithstanding the first distance d.sub.1 being less than the
engagement distance d.sub.e, the push button engagement member 90
may move through the engagement distance d.sub.e through any
combination of translation (e.g., horizontal movement) and rotation
of the push button 28. For example, the views 114A and 114C
together show that the push button 28 translates horizontally
(e.g., to the right from view 114A in FIG. 10A to view 114B in FIG.
10B) and rotates (e.g., clockwise from view 114B in FIG. 10B to
view 114C in FIG. 10C) relative to the container top 24 to permit
horizontal movement of the push button engagement member 90 through
the engagement distance d.sub.e relative to the closure engagement
member 76, thereby moving the push button 28 from the latched
position in the view 114A to the unlatched position in the view
114C.
In the view 114C, the push button 28 is rotated about 4 degrees
compared to the views 114A and 114B. The amount of rotation to
reach the unlatched position from the latched position may depend
on the amount of horizontal translation permitted between the push
button 28 and the container top 24. For a given engagement distance
d.sub.e, the greater the horizontal translation of the push button
28 (e.g., the greater the first distance d.sub.1 in the example of
FIG. 10A), the less the rotation of the push button 28 to reach the
unlatched position. In general, the push button 28 may be
configured to rotate relative to the container top 24 within a
range between about 0 to 10 degrees (e.g., between about 2 to 10
degrees), or between about 0 to 7 degrees (e.g., between about 2 to
7 degrees), or between about 0 to 5 degrees (e.g., between about 2
to 5 degrees). In some embodiments, no rotation of the push button
28 is required for the push button engagement member 90 to travel
the engagement distance d.sub.e relative to the closure engagement
member 76 and thereby move the push button 28 to an unlatched
position. In some embodiments, no translation of the push button 28
is required for the push button engagement member 90 to travel the
engagement distance d.sub.e relative to the closure engagement
member 76 and thereby move the push button 28 to an unlatched
position.
Further, within a given implementation, the push button 28 need not
translate through the entire first distance d.sub.1 to reach the
unlatched position, provided the push button 28 can rotate more to
compensate. For example, in the view 114C compared to the view
114A, the bottom rear 116 of the contact portion 92 of the push
button 28 translates the entire first distance d.sub.1 and the push
button 28 rotates 4 degrees to reach the unlatched position.
However, the unlatched position may also be reached by the bottom
rear 116 translating only a fraction of the first distance d.sub.1,
such as only 90% of the first distance d.sub.1, and the push button
28 rotating more than 4 degrees (e.g., 5 or 6 degrees). Thus, the
unlatched position of the push button 28 does not necessarily refer
to a single position and orientation of the push button 28 relative
to the container top 24 (e.g., the position and orientation
illustrated in the view 114C), but rather it refers to any position
and orientation of the push button 28 relative to the container top
24 in which the push button 28 is disengaged from the closure 26.
An analogous interpretation may be applied to the other positions
described herein.
As illustrated in the views 114A and 114B, the lock 30 in the
locked position, particularly the push button cover 60 of the lock
30, obscures, blocks, covers, or otherwise renders generally
inaccessible at least a portion 120 of the push button 28. The push
button cover 60 of the lock 30 may include holes or openings (e.g.,
ornamental holes or openings) and/or may be made of an optically
transparent material such that the portion 120 of the push button
28 may be at least partially visible when the lock 30 is in the
locked position while still being obscured, blocked, covered,
and/or generally inaccessible to a user.
The portion 120 of the push button 28 that is obscured, blocked,
covered, and/or generally inaccessible may include at least half of
the push button 28, such as at least an upper half of the push
button 28 or a half of the push button 28 opposite an axis of
rotational movement of the push button 28 for example.
Alternatively or additionally, the portion 120 may include at least
half of the contact portion 92, such as at least an upper half of
the contact portion 92 or a half of the contact portion 92 opposite
an axis of rotational movement of the push button 28 for example.
Alternatively or additionally, the portion 120 may include a
centroid of the push button 28 or the contact portion 92; a center
or central axis of the push button 28, the contact portion 92, the
button bias member 34, and/or of the protrusion 94 of the push
button 28; a projection, along the button's path of travel, of the
protrusion 94 or the button bias member 34 onto the contact portion
92; a projection, along the button's path of travel, of the
centroid of the button bias member 34 and/or of the protrusion 94
of the push button 28 onto contact portion 92; or some other
portion of the push button 28.
With the lock 30 in the locked position, it may require application
of a significant and/or significantly greater amount of force to
the portion of the contact portion 92 that is accessible (not
obscured, blocked, covered, and/or rendered generally inaccessible
by the push button cover 60 of the lock 30) to move the push button
28 from the latched position to the unlatched position (as compared
to the amount of force used to move the push button 28 from the
latched position to the unlatched position with the lock 30 in the
open position). For example, the button stop 118 may act as a
fulcrum and the contact portion 92 that is accessible, e.g., to a
user's thumb or finger when the lock 30 is in the locked position,
provides a relatively short maximum lever arm LA.sub.1 (view 114A).
With the resistance provided by the button bias member 34, it may
therefore require application of a significant and/or significantly
greater amount of force to the contact portion 92 that is
accessible when the lock 30 is in the locked position considering
the relatively short maximum lever arm LA.sub.1 (e.g., at a topmost
extent of the accessible portion of the contact portion 92, as
illustrated in the view 114A).
In comparison, and referring to view 114C in FIG. 10C, when the
lock 30 is in the unlocked position, the extent (e.g., topmost
extent) of the contact portion 92 that is accessible and which is
within the portion 120 provides a much longer lever arm LA.sub.2
(see view 114C in FIG. 10C). Thus, the amount of force applied to
the topmost extent of the contact portion 92 that is accessible
when the lock 30 is in an unlocked position to move the push button
28 from the latched position to the unlatched position may be much
less than the amount of force applied to the topmost extent of the
contact portion 92 that is accessible when the lock 30 is in the
locked position to move the push button 28 from the latched
position to the unlatched position. Accordingly, the lock 30 in the
locked position may inhibit movement of the push button 28 from the
latched position to the unlatched position or may otherwise inhibit
operation of the push button 28, e.g., by inhibiting a finger or
thumb or other body part of a user from applying an opening force
to the portion 120 of the push button 28 or otherwise inhibiting
access by a user to the portion 120 of the push button 28.
Alternatively or additionally, the lock 30 and/or one or more
intervening components may engage with the push button 28 when the
lock 30 is in the locked position to inhibit movement of the push
button 28 from the latched position to the unlatched position.
FIGS. 11A-11C include side views of the container lid 12 with the
lock 30 in, respectively, the locked position (FIG. 11A), a first
unlocked position (FIG. 11B), and a second unlocked position (FIG.
11C), in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein.
FIG. 12 includes a cross-sectional front perspective view of a
portion of the container lid 12 with the lock 30 in the locked
position, in accordance with at least one embodiment described
herein. The unlocked positions of FIGS. 11B and 11C are referenced
in this description as a "first" unlocked position (FIG. 11B) and a
"second" unlocked position (FIG. 11C) for convenience only. Some
embodiments include only locked and unlocked positions, without
distinction between multiple unlocked positions. Further, some
embodiments include the second unlocked position as shown in FIG.
11C and described in more detail below, but do not include a
distinct first unlocked position as shown in FIG. 11B and described
in more detail below.
Referring to FIGS. 4A-5D, 11A, and 12, when the lock 30 is in the
locked position, the second protrusions 72 of the closure 26 may be
positioned above at least a portion of the lock 30 and may be above
the receiving portions 68 of the lock 30, if present. The second
protrusions 72 may interfere with the lock 30 to inhibit movement
of the lock 30 out of the locked position. For example, the lock 30
may have to flex or deform to move out of the locked position past
the protrusions 72.
Referring to FIGS. 4A-5D and 11B, when the lock 30 is in the first
unlocked position, the second protrusions 72 of the closure 26 may
be positioned within and engage the receiving portions 68 of the
lock 30. As mentioned above, some embodiments do not include the
first unlocked position, and as such, in those embodiments lock 30
may not include receiving portions 68. In this and other
embodiments, as the lock 30 is moved from the locked position to
the unlocked position, the lock 30 may flex outward or otherwise
resiliently deform as the lock 30 passes over the second
protrusions 72 of the closure 26. When the second protrusions 72
reach the receiving portions 68, the lock 30 may at least partially
unflex or otherwise return to an at least partially undeformed
state, such that the second protrusions 72 are positioned at least
partially within and optionally matingly engage with the receiving
portions 68, effectively coupling the lock 30 and the closure 26
together. In some embodiments, with the lock 30 in the first
unlocked position and the lock 30 and the closure 26 coupled
together, the lock 30 and the closure 26 may be dependently
rotatable relative to the container top 24. That is, when the lock
30 is in the first unlocked position and the lock 30 and the
closure 26 are coupled together through the second protrusions 72
and the receiving portions 68, rotation of the lock 30 or the
closure 26 may cause rotation of the other of the closure 26 and
the lock 30.
In some embodiments including second protrusions 72 and receiving
portions 68, the second protrusions and the receiving portions may
be positioned such that the second protrusions 72 are received in
the receiving portions 68 when the lock 30 is in the locked
position rather than in an unlocked position. In some embodiments,
the closure 26 may comprise multiple sets of second protrusions 72,
each set comprising one or more second protrusions 72, with each
set positioned to be received in the receiving portions 68 of the
lock 30 in a different position of the closure 26 relative to the
lock 30. For example, a first set of second protrusions 72 may be
received in the receiving portions 68 when the lock 30 is in the
locked position and a second set of second protrusions 72 may be
received in the receiving portions 68 when the lock 30 is in an
unlocked position. Additionally or alternatively, the lock may be
positioned between sets of second protrusions.
The locations of the second protrusions 72 on the closure 26 and
the receiving portions 68 on the lock 30 may be reversed (e.g.,
second protrusions 72 on the lock 30 and receiving portions 68 on
the closure 26) and/or other coupling structures may be provided to
selectively couple the lock 30 and the closure 26 together. For
example, the multiple sets of second protrusions 72 comprised by
the closure 26 may be replaced by sets of receiving portions 68.
Some embodiments do not include the first unlocked position. For
example, in some embodiments the lock 30 does not include receiving
portions 68.
Referring to FIGS. 4A-5D and 11C, in some embodiments, when the
lock 30 is in the second unlocked position, the lock 30 may be
suitable for use as a handle or carry loop. In the second unlocked
position, at least some of the lock 30, including the receiving
portions 68 (if included), may be positioned above the second
protrusions 72 (if included) such that the second protrusions 72
are not within the receiving portions 68 and the lock 30 is not
engaged with the closure 26. In some embodiments, when the lock 30
is in the second unlocked position, the lock 30 and the closure 26
may be independently rotatable relative to the container top
24.
In the second unlocked position illustrated in FIG. 11C, the lock
30 is rotated about 90 degrees clockwise compared to the locked
position of FIG. 11A. More generally, the second unlocked position
may be any position in which the lock 30 has cleared, e.g., rotated
past, the second protrusions 72 (if included).
In some embodiments, each of the second protrusions 72 and the
third protrusions 74 may be capable of engaging the lock 30 and
moving the lock 30 backward (e.g., clockwise in FIGS. 11A-11C)
along with movement of the closure 26. And the second protrusions
72 may also be capable of engaging the lock 30 and moving the lock
forward (e.g., counterclockwise in FIGS. 11A-11C) along with
movement of the closure 26. For example, with the closure 26 out of
the first position, e.g., in the second position, the lock 30 may
be positioned relative to the closure 26 with the lock 30 between
the second protrusions 72 and the third protrusions 74 of the
closure 26, if present (see, e.g., FIGS. 5A and 5B). In this
relative configuration, the third protrusions 74 may engage the
lock 30 if and when the closure 26 is rotated backward (e.g.,
clockwise in FIGS. 11A-11C) so that the lock 30 rotates backward
with the closure 26, and the second protrusions 72 may engage the
lock 30 if and when the closure 26 is rotated forward (e.g.,
counterclockwise in FIGS. 11A-11C).
Also for example, with the closure 26 out of the first position,
e.g., in the second position, the lock 30 may be positioned
relative to the closure 26 such that the protrusions 72 are at
least partially within the receiving portions 68 (if present) of
the lock 30. In this relative configuration (which may correspond
to the first unlocked position of the lock 30), the second
protrusions 72 may engage the lock 30 (e.g., via the receiving
portions 68) if and when the closure 26 is rotated backward or
forward (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise in FIGS. 11A-11C).
Also for example, with the closure 26 out of the first position,
e.g., in the second position, the lock 30 may be positioned
relative to the closure 26 with the lock 30 past the second
protrusions 72 (e.g., past the second protrusions 72 in the
clockwise direction in FIGS. 11A-11C, on the opposite side of the
second protrusions 72 from the third protrusions 74, if present).
In this relative configuration (which may correspond to the second
unlocked position of the lock 30), the second protrusions 72 may
engage the lock 30 if and when the closure 26 is rotated backward
(e.g., clockwise in FIGS. 11A-11C) far enough for the second
protrusions 72 to contact the lock 30 so that the lock 30 rotates
backward with the closure 26. But forward rotation of the closure
26 (e.g., counterclockwise in FIGS. 11A-11C) may not engage the
lock 30, such that when the closure 26 is rotated forward it may
not cause the lock 30 to rotate forward.
In some embodiments, in use a user may move the lock 30 from the
locked position to an unlocked position (e.g., the second unlocked
position) in which the lock 30 may freely rotate independent of the
container top 24 and of the closure 26. With the lock in such an
unlocked position, the user may push the push button 28 to
disengage the closure 26 so that the closure 26 is free to move
from the first (closed) position to the second (open) position.
Afterward, the user may optionally rotate the closure 26 and the
lock 30 relative to each other to such an extent that the second
protrusions 72 rotate past the lock 30 so that the lock 30 is
disposed between the second protrusions 72 and the third
protrusions 74, thereby engaging the lock 30 with the closure 26
and coupling the motion of the closure 26 and the lock 30 together
(the lock 30 and closure 26 may be similarly disengaged). In this
way, when the user closes the closure 26 by moving it to the first
position, the lock 30 engaged with the closure 26 travels along
with the closure 26 and into the locked position. When the lock 30
is engaged with the closure 26, both the lock and the closure may
rotate together about their shared axis. When the lock 30 is
disengaged from the closure 26 (e.g., not in contact with second
protrusions 72 or third protrusions 74, if present), the lock 30
and the closure 26 may rotate independently about the axis.
The embodiment described herein may be modified in a variety of
ways without altering the scope of the claimed embodiments. In
general, for example, some features or components disclosed as
engaging with each other or operating together may be reversed,
modified, or substituted for a functional equivalent. As already
described above, for example, the locations of the second
protrusions 72 on the closure 26 and the receiving portions 68 on
the lock 30 may be reversed such that the second protrusions are on
the lock 30 and the receiving portions 68 are on the closure 26.
Similarly, the locations of the protrusions 64 on the lock 30 and
the openings 52 on the container top 24 may be reversed such that
the protrusions 64 are on the container top 24 and the openings 52
are on the lock 30. Similarly, the locations of the openings 66 on
the lock 30 and the first protrusions 70 on the closure 26 may be
reversed such that the openings 66 are on the closure 26 and the
first protrusions 70 are on the lock. Alternatively, the first
protrusions 70 of the closure 26 may extend all the way through
thru-hole openings in the lock 30 to the openings 52 of the
container top 24, or protrusions of the container top 24 may extend
all the way through thru-hole openings in the lock 30 to openings
in the closure 26. Alternatively, the lock 30 may have, at one or
both of the ends 62, one inward directed protrusion and one outward
directed protrusion, each configured to be received in a
corresponding opening or receiving portion of the container top 24
or closure 26. Alternatively, the lock 30 and/or the closure 26 may
be rotatably coupled to the container top 24 using any other
suitable mechanism, such as a pin hinge, a living hinge, or other
device or system.
The lock 30 is depicted as a carry loop but can instead be
implemented in any other suitable manner, provided the lock 30 is
movable relative to the container top 24 and the push button 28 to
selectively inhibit operation of the push button 28. For example,
the lock 30 may include a bar rotatably coupled or slidably coupled
to the container top 24 to one side of the push button 28 and with
a snap coupler or other coupler to the other side of the push
button 28 to selectively retain the lock 30 in the locked position
such that the lock 30 may selectively cover, obscure, block, or
otherwise inhibit access to and/or operation of the push button 28.
Other implementations of the lock 30 within the scope of the
instant disclosure are possible.
The button bias member 34 and the closure bias member 36 are
depicted in some of the figures as including helical coil springs.
The button bias member 34 and the closure bias member 36 may take
other forms in other embodiments depending on the implementation.
For example, with appropriate modifications to one or more
components of the container lid 12, any of the button bias member
34 and the closure bias member 36 may alternatively or additionally
be implemented as a metallic spring, a helical coil spring, a
torsion spring, a volute spring, a leaf spring, an elastomer
spring, a band, or any other suitable bias member
configuration.
The container body 14 may be sized and configured to hold, retain
and/or store one or more liquids and/or solids. In particular, the
container body 14 may include a vessel or bottle used to store
liquids such as water, flavored water, vitamin enhanced water, and
the like. The container body 14 may also store fluids and solutions
such as juices, energy drinks, thirst-quenchers, and other types of
beverages. The container body 14 may also be used to store solids
such as powders, concentrates, mixes, and foodstuffs.
The container body 14 may be of any suitable size. For example, the
container body 14 may hold approximately 8, 12, 16, 20, or 24
ounces (or about 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 ml or a
liter). The container body 14 may have any suitable size, including
smaller and larger sizes. In addition, the container body 14 may
have other shapes and configurations other than those disclosed
herein, depending, for example, upon the intended use of the
container. Further, the container body 14 may be insulated to help
keep the contents at a desired temperature. The container body 14
may be made of plastic, glass, metal, and/or other materials with
suitable properties and characteristics.
The container lid 12 may have any suitable size and/or shape that
may in general be complementary to the size and shape of the
container body 14 at least where the two are coupled together.
Further, the container lid 12 may be insulated to help keep the
contents within the container body 14 at a desired temperature. The
container lid 12 may be made of plastic, glass, metal, and/or other
materials with suitable properties and characteristics.
The button bias member 34, the closure bias member 36, the lid seal
32, and/or the lid opening seal 38 may be constructed from
materials that are elastic, malleable, flexible, bendable,
expandable, and/or resilient. For example, the lid seal 32 and/or
the lid opening seal 38 may be constructed from one or more of
silicone, polymer, rubber, plastic, or other materials with
suitable properties and characteristics. The button bias member 34
and the closure bias member 36 may include and/or be constructed
from one or more of silicone, polymer, rubber, plastic, steel or
other metal, or other materials with suitable properties and
characteristics. The resilience of the lid opening seal 38 may
contribute in forming a watertight seal with the lid openings
50.
In some embodiments of the disclosed technology, the container may
be used to store, transport, and/or dispense one or more liquids,
such as water, beverages, drinks, juices, vitamin enhanced
beverages, energy drinks, thirst-quenchers, flavored waters,
protein drinks, shakes, foodstuffs, dressings, sauces, liquid meal
replacements, solutions, suspensions, and the like. The container
may also be used to store, transport, and/or dispense solutions
and/or solids such as energy drinks, protein drinks, shakes, liquid
meal replacements, etc.
In some embodiments, the container may be a shaker cup and the
contents may be shaken, stirred, mixed and/or blended as desired,
such as supplements, vitamins, protein powders, etc. This may allow
the container to be used to create protein drinks, shakes,
smoothies, dressings, sauces, etc. The container may be used as a
water bottle in which water and other types of fluids may be
transported and/or consumed. The container could further include
foodstuffs such as fruits, vegetables, soups, and the like.
Advantageously, in some embodiments, the container may be reusable
and refillable, which may allow the container to be used for
different purposes over an extended period of time. The container
may also be easily carried and portable. For example, the container
may be conveniently held in one-hand by the user and/or may have a
carry loop. Additionally, the container may be insulated to help
keep the contents at a desired temperature, such as at a lower or
higher temperature.
In some embodiments, the container may include a small number of
parts and components, which may facilitate manufacturing and
assembly. In some embodiments, the container may be easily
disassembled and cleaned. As discussed elsewhere, the container may
include a container lid and/or a closure that allows the container
to be easily filled from various sources. The container, container
body, and container lid may include any number of parts and
components depending, for example, upon the intended use of the
container.
A phrase such as "an aspect" does not imply that such aspect is
essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to
all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating
to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more
configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples of the
disclosure. A phrase such as "an aspect" may refer to one or more
aspects and vice versa. A phrase such as "an embodiment" does not
imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology
or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the
subject technology. A disclosure relating to an embodiment may
apply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments. An embodiment
may provide one or more examples of the disclosure. A phrase such
"an embodiment" may refer to one or more embodiments and vice
versa. A phrase such as "a configuration" does not imply that such
configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such
configuration applies to all configurations of the subject
technology. A disclosure relating to a configuration may apply to
all configurations, or one or more configurations. A configuration
may provide one or more examples of the disclosure. A phrase such
as "a configuration" may refer to one or more configurations and
vice versa.
Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and
neuter gender (e.g., her and its) and vice versa.
The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the
particular embodiments described herein, which are intended as
illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations
can be made without departing from its spirit and scope.
Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of
the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, are
possible from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and
variations are intended to fall within the scope of this
disclosure. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of
describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be
limiting. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be
dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is
explicitly recited in the above description.
A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean
"one and only one" unless specifically stated, but rather "one or
more." With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or
singular terms herein, the plural terms may include the singular
terms and/or the singular terms may include the plural terms as is
appropriate to the context and/or application. The various
singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for
sake of clarity. The term "some" refers to one or more.
In general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended
claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended
as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted
as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be
interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be
interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be
further understood by those within the art that if a specific
number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an
intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence
of such recitation, no such intent is present. For example, as an
aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain
usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more"
to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases
should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim
recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any
particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to
embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same
claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least
one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or
"an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or
more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used
to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific
number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited,
those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should
be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare
recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at
least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in
those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A,
B, and C, etc." is used, in general, such a construction is
intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand
the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C"
would include but not be limited to systems that include A alone, B
alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C
together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances
where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc."
is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense
one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g.,
"a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not
be limited to systems that include A alone, B alone, C alone, A and
B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C
together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the
art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting
two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims,
or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities
of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms.
For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the
possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."
In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are
described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will
recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of
any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush
group.
For any and all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written
description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all
possible sub ranges and combinations of sub ranges thereof. Any
listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing
and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal
halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, and/or others. As a
non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily
broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc.
All language such as "up to," "at least," and the like include the
number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken
down into sub ranges as discussed above. Finally, a range includes
each individual member. Thus, for example, a group having 1-3 cells
refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3 cells. Similarly, a group having
1-5 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells, and so
forth.
From the foregoing, various embodiments of the present disclosure
have been described herein for purposes of illustration, and
various modifications may be made without departing from the scope
and spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the various
embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting.
* * * * *